Just checking in before I head to London tomorrow for the mara. Tested out some new taper techniques and feel pretty good! Not looking forward to next week and my planned 3 milers on Wed/Thurs/Fri to get ready for the MOTN but really looking forward to the event itself.

I tweeted the MOTN guys and they replied that over 1000 people are running this for the 2nd year in a row - this was my first ever mara last year so am looking forward to returning. Any of you guys run it last year ?

there has been lots of discussion on facebook on what to do to show solidarity and respect for Boston, I believe there is to be a minutes silence and runners encouraged to wear sky blue and yellow which are the colours of the Boston marathon, this can be a ribbon/swatch, think some people will have their faces painted in these colours so Shielsy nail varnish sounds perfect. Will update if I hear any more. Hopefully they will e-mail or put something on their website.

After umming and ahhing about racing Parkrun this morning, the competitive streak got the better of me and set a new PB of 17.40! I felt fine at the end as well, and 2 hours later feel I could do it again! Hopefully a good omen for next weekend!

I am now almost 100% convinced next week is going to be windy, as it seems to have been windy every single time I've gone out for a run - which puts me in a really bad mood.

I'm now not going to run any more until the big day (apart from maybe a couple of miles mid week just to stretch my legs).

A couple of my running friends have finished in sub 4 hours ... I'm made up for both of them. I'd love a marathon finishing time that begins with a '3' but I doubt there's any hope of that ... my legs feel tired every time I go out now.

Shielsy you're sounding a bit low about it all? I'm sure you have a sub 4 in you, if it's not going to be this one after the troubles you've had training, perhaps treat it as a "training race" to set you up for your next one - experiment with pacing strategy and fuelling and that sort of thing?

Tapering's so weird. I did 6 miles yesterday, 5.5 today and now "the plan" has me down for 2, 4, 2 over the next week. What is the point exactly of a 2 mile run?

I think it's largely been the weather more than anything - we've just had month after month of horrible conditions, a truly terrible winter and a so far non-existent spring ... and still this wind is just hanging around. I absolutely cannot bear running in the wind - it makes even running a few miles at an easy pace feel like hard work. It doesn't matter how hard I've trained, if it's windy next week then it's going to be hideous (for me). I'm just starting to dread waking up that Sunday morning and hearing it blowing a gale outside.

I just want it over and done with now so I can drink the champagne that's been sitting patiently in my fridge since Christmas.

No need to apologise Shielsy, it's good to say how you're feeling. I know what you mean re the weather. My prediction is after struggling in snow, ice and bitter winds through the winter, there's going to be a heatwave next week and we'll all be greasespots on the tarmac...

One thing we can take from Boston though - it's great we're able to run, and we should enjoy it no matter what.

You're going to enjoy that champagne!! I'd have it with a nice tube of Pringles post marathon

Thanks a lot Daisybrain! No idea where it came from!? First podium finish too, I got 3rd place, had a 40+ mile cycle race today, on a seriously hilly course, bronze again lol, not really ideal taper according to most studies.. So we'll see haha!

Hope you regain your motivation Shielsy, the hardwork is done now! At least if it is windy we will all be well used to it! There are always positives to take away from everything!

Hi all - Sorry to hear you're feeling a bit 'meh' Shielsy - I always get a little down before a big run. Think it must have something to do with decreased mileage and the results on the body/mind. Keep with it - come Sunday the adrenalin will pump and you'ill be fine!

Thank you all for the kind words.

Had an amazing weekend at London - the race, althought the sun was scorching - was truly life changing. The crowds were mental and the course was literally 26.2 miles of noise and happy, drunk spectators. Overwhelming really. I would encourage everyone to try and run it at least once.

Time wise, clocked in at 3.54. Pleased as it shaved another 2 mins off my training pb, and almost 50 mins off last years MOTN. Pleasing progress.

Run wise this week, planning to run Wed/Thurs/Fri all 3 milers, keep the legs moving and get ready for the weekend. Will be looking to be around 4/4.15 - doubt I will make it under 4 again but would be nice to do so....

brilliant Adrian, so glad you had a fab experience and such a good time, my brother in law was just behind you, he came in at 3.56 after reading your post I am tempted to try for the ballot again! Couple of questions......what was the toilet situation like? Is it very crowded on the course?

I was going to do my last run with a friend today but am struck down with terrible tooth ache. So dentist for me instead. Will try to fit a short run in mid week......getting close now.

Adrian - fantastic time! Well done. I've got to say though I can't believe you're contemplating doing it all again this week . I did London in 2011 (another scorcher that year too) and I totally agree - the crowds are just overwhelming ... all the way around you're greeted by this wall of noise. I swear by the end I had a headache from all the cheering.

Trust everyone is as excited / terrified as I am now?! Obsessively checking weather forecasts to find the best one at present! Had a final burst of energy on Sat to beat my parkrun PB at last so now feel justified for a good rest and couple of short runa - oh and a massage too I reckon.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a nice place to eat on Sat evening in or around Sunderland as I'm coming up with my family? Guess I'll rule out Indians etc thanks and good luck to you all.

Lily - the toliets were a little tricky before the run in the holding pens - however it seemed to be people orientated to the first in the pen as there were plenty nearer the back that had less - took me about 10 minutes to get in one so ok. Course wise, maybe every 2-3 miles until 20 if I recall correctly, maybe 5/6 portaloo's. There were STILL lines to wait in though actually on the course so if you can hold on that would be my advice.

Course wise in general - yes, very crowded. I was in Blue pen 8 (Out of 9) and so the first 0-6 miles was zig-zag central as I overtook the walkers etc. Even when I got to a group of roughly my pace it was still chocka. The streets and the funneling meant a few occasions it became a bit of a crawl but after 10 miles it was just 'normal' so I got on with it. DEFO try for the ballet - you really need to go do it!

Shielsy - all in all I feel fine. Post run I had planned to crack on with recovery so I had my shake and water ready (As well as my regular hydration tabs during the run) and used the walk to the train station to try and cool down etc. Ironically my only blister is from that walk with no socks on - but they're compeed'd up now so should be ok. Will foam roller tonight and rest until Wednesday.

Can't wait for Sunday - last year holds such special memories for me. My wife is running the 10k and my parents are up again so it's a proper family affair.

Hellsbells - no idea of local resturant, sorry! I live in Newcastle so could recommend some here!!

Previously bookmarked threads are now visible in "Followed Threads". You can also manage notifications on these threads from the "Forum Settings" section of your profile settings page to prevent being sent an email when a reply is made.

Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines UK which is the trading name of The National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved. Runner's World, Part of the Hearst UK wellbeing network